ANDERSON — Organizers are gearing up for the annual McDonald County Business Expo.

The seventh annual event – which is open to the public – will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, at the McDonald County High School, Anderson. Admission is $1.

"The main purpose is for businesses to have the opportunity to show what they have," said Kathi Coates, executive director for the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce.

This year's expo will have 50 different businesses ranging from not only in the county, but also from outside the county represented.

"We have some in Neosho, a lot of them are in the county, Springdale, Ark., Stella, Joplin and St. Louis," she said.

Along with the promotional items, which will be given out, brochures, giveaways and other items, Coates said there will be a door prize.

"Our biggest thing that we are giving away is our door prize that we are giving away, it is a trip to Las Vegas," she said. "With that dollar, you get an entry ticket for the trip."

Coates said there are some advantages for not only the businesses to showcase their wares, but for the public to attend.

"I think that the biggest advantage would be to get out there and get your name, your company's name," she said. "Last year, we had about 500 people come through and this year, we are expecting a lot more, especially with the door prize that we have. Then for the public, they would get an opportunity to see what there is to offer in their community, there will be a lot of giveaways and once again, the trip to Vegas, they get to register for that."